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William Wilberforce Quotes

Powerful William Wilberforce for Daily Growth

About William Wilberforce

William Wilberforce (1759-1833) was an influential British politician, philanthropist, and evangelical Christian who played a pivotal role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. Born on August 24, 1759, in Hull, Yorkshire, Wilberforce's early life was marked by a close relationship with his mother and religious upbringing. He attended St. John's College, Cambridge, where he developed a passion for politics, oratory, and literature. Wilberforce converted to evangelical Christianity in 1785, an event that profoundly impacted his life and work. Inspired by his faith, Wilberforce dedicated himself to social reform, focusing primarily on the abolition of the slave trade. He joined forces with other philanthropists such as Thomas Clarkson and Granville Sharpe, forming a powerful alliance known as the Clapham Sect. In 1789, Wilberforce presented his first parliamentary bill to abolish the transatlantic slave trade. Despite facing significant opposition, he refused to be deterred and continued his campaign for 20 years. In 1807, after much perseverance, the Slave Trade Act was passed, making the Atlantic slave trade illegal throughout the British Empire. Wilberforce also played significant roles in education reform and prison reform, advocating for humane treatment of prisoners and establishing the Society for the Suppression of Vice to combat social issues like gambling, alcoholism, and prostitution. His major works include "A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians" (1797) and his memoirs titled "The Life of William Wilberforce." Wilberforce passed away on July 29, 1833, having left a lasting impact on British society. His life story continues to inspire as an example of determination, faith, and commitment to social justice.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"God almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the Reformation of manners."

This quote by William Wilberforce illustrates his deeply religious conviction that he was divinely tasked with two significant objectives in life. The first, "the suppression of the slave trade," represents his lifelong campaign to end the transatlantic slave trade, which resulted in the British Slavery Abolition Act of 1807. The second, "the Reformation of manners," refers to his efforts to improve societal morality and address social issues such as alcoholism, prostitution, and poverty during the Industrial Revolution. These two goals reflect Wilberforce's belief that spiritual growth was inextricably linked with societal reform, and he saw himself as a divine instrument in bringing about change for the betterment of humanity.

"You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know."

This quote by William Wilberforce underscores personal responsibility and awareness. It suggests that when we witness injustice or wrongdoing, choosing to ignore it does not absolve us of knowledge about the situation. Ignorance is no longer an option once one has chosen to look. The quote emphasizes the importance of taking action against known injustices as a conscientious individual and member of society.

"I have no ambition in my heart that is not from God. I am content with whatsoever He shall please to bestow upon me, and I desire only to be wholly and entirely filled with the Holy Spirit."

William Wilberforce, a prominent British abolitionist, expresses deep spiritual humility in this quote. He asserts that his aspirations are divinely-inspired, indicating a strong faith in God's guidance. His contentment with God's blessings demonstrates gratitude and acceptance of life's circumstances. Lastly, Wilberforce yearns to be spiritually filled, suggesting a desire for profound spiritual growth and service. This quote encapsulates an individual deeply committed to their faith and mission in life, while relying on divine wisdom to lead them.

"I can't think that all those who labor for its abolition are acting without His approval."

This quote by William Wilberforce suggests a divine endorsement for his crusade to end slavery. He perceived the abolitionists' efforts as not only human actions, but also as actions sanctioned or blessed by God. This view underscores Wilberforce's deep conviction that his work was of immense moral importance and reflected the values and justice inherent in a divine order.

"Let us remember that he who dies in the service of the Almighty God, lives forever; while he who serves himself, has only a short and transitory existence."

This quote emphasizes the everlasting nature of spiritual service, as opposed to self-serving actions that have limited impact. Wilberforce suggests that those who live their lives in devotion to God will enjoy an eternal life beyond this world, while a focus on personal gain leads only to a fleeting existence. It underscores the importance of altruism and service to others as a means of achieving a lasting legacy and eternal fulfillment.

The first years in Parliament I did nothing - nothing to any purpose. My own distinction was my darling object.

- William Wilberforce

Purpose, My Own, Distinction, Darling

God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.

- William Wilberforce

Before, Set, Almighty, Reformation

Of all things, guard against neglecting God in the secret place of prayer.

- William Wilberforce

Prayer, Against, Neglecting, All Things

The objects of the present life fill the human eye with a false magnification because of their immediacy.

- William Wilberforce

False, Objects, Human Eye, Immediacy

Life as we know it, with all its ups and downs, will soon be over. We all will give an accounting to God of how we have lived.

- William Wilberforce

Give, Over, Downs, Ups

My walk is a public one. My business is in the world, and I must mix in the assemblies of men or quit the post which Providence seems to have assigned me.

- William Wilberforce

Business, World, Which, Mix

I am disturbed when I see the majority of so-called Christians having such little understanding of the real nature of the faith they profess. Faith is a subject of such importance that we should not ignore it because of the distractions or the hectic pace of our lives.

- William Wilberforce

Disturbed, Profess, Subject, So-Called

What should we suppose must naturally be the consequence of our carrying on a slave trade with Africa? With a country, vast in its extent, not utterly barbarous, but civilized in a very small degree? Does any one suppose a slave trade would help their civilization?

- William Wilberforce

Small, Country, Extent, Carrying

As much pains were taken to make me idle as were ever taken to make me studious.

- William Wilberforce

Idle, Ever, Were, Studious

Can you tell a plain man the road to heaven? Certainly, turn at once to the right, then go straight forward.

- William Wilberforce

Forward, Tell, Certainly, Plain

Let everyone regulate his conduct... by the golden rule of doing to others as in similar circumstances we would have them do to us, and the path of duty will be clear before him.

- William Wilberforce

Doing, Everyone, Similar, Conduct

It is the true duty of every man to promote the happiness of his fellow creatures to the utmost of his power.

- William Wilberforce

Creatures, Every Man, His, Promote

I would suggest that faith is everyone's business. The advance or decline of faith is so intimately connected to the welfare of a society that it should be of particular interest to a politician.

- William Wilberforce

Business, Faith, Everyone, Suggest

If you love someone who is ruining his or her life because of faulty thinking, and you don't do anything about it because you are afraid of what others might think, it would seem that rather than being loving, you are in fact being heartless.

- William Wilberforce

Love, Fact, Rather, Ruining

Surely the principles of Christianity lead to action as well as meditation.

- William Wilberforce

Christianity, Surely, Meditation

Can one serve God and one's nation in parliament?

- William Wilberforce

God, Nation, Serve, Parliament

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